Speaking to Reshet Bet Radio on Thursday, 12 Elul, Shas party leader Minister Aryeh Deri explained that if Yair Lapid forms the next coalition, as some polls indicate may be the case, his party would not rule out joining such a coalition. Deri stated this would be the case if Lapid can amass a majority of 61 without the chareidim. Such a scenario however is most unlikely.

He explained that if Lapid has a majority without the chareidim then he will approach Shas and present his guidelines explaining he is forming a coalition with or without the chareidim, offering him to bring Shas in. Then Deri is willing to consider such a situation.

Deri added that other than a passing hello, he and Lapid are not in touch. He also added that l’chatchila Shas and the chareidim would prefer another scenario but he is not ruling out the above. Deri explained that while he does not see eye-to-eye on many issues with Avigdor Lieberman and Yisrael Beitenu, he believes that would be easier than a coalition headed by Lapid.

This said, readers are reminded that Health Minister Yaakov Litzman has recently reiterated he would never sit in a government headed by Lapid unless he first served and proved he is doing teshuvah towards the chareidim and then, and only then, there might be something to consider.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)